ORANGE PARK, Fla. Registration is open for Clay County’s third annual Heroes and Holidays Veterans Day 5K, set for Saturday, Nov. 14, at Orange Park Mall.
Quick Facts
- What: Heroes and Holidays “Tougher Than You Think” Veterans Day 5K (third annual)
- When: Saturday, Nov. 14. 5K starts at 8 a.m. Awards and Veterans Day ceremony at 9:30 a.m. Free Santa Family Fun Run at 10:30 a.m.
- Where: Orange Park Mall, 1910 Wells Road. Course runs adjacent to the mall. Not certified for competition.
- Cost: Adults $40 through Nov. 13 ($50 race day). Kids 7 to 12 pay $20. Ages 6 and under in strollers free.
- Proceeds: All go to Veterans Council Clay County Florida Inc. to support the Clay Veterans Center in Middleburg
The race, officially billed as Heroes and Holidays “Tougher Than You Think,” is a collaboration among the Veterans Council of Clay County, the Clay County Board of County Commissioners and Orange Park Mall. The course runs adjacent to the mall at 1910 Wells Road and is open to runners and walkers of all ages. Organizers note the course is not certified for competition. Strollers, wheelchairs and walkers are welcome.
Race day schedule
Packet pickup is Friday, Nov. 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the mall, or race morning from 6:30 to 7:15 a.m. Bring an ID. Transfers are allowed through Friday evening.
On race day:
- 6:30 a.m.: Registration opens
- 7:20 a.m.: Opening ceremony with guest speakers
- 7:45 a.m.: Warmup and stretch
- 8 a.m.: 5K run/walk
- 9:30 a.m.: Awards, recognitions and Veterans Day ceremony
Food trucks, music, static displays and veteran-supporting organizations are planned around the event. Parking at the mall is free. Carpooling is encouraged.
What it costs
Adult entry is $40 through Nov. 13. The adult price rises to $50 for race-day registration through 7:40 a.m. Kids ages 7 to 12 pay $20. Children 6 and under riding in strollers register free. Online registration also includes a SignUp processing fee.
The first 250 registrants receive a race T-shirt, bib, chip timing, a finisher medal and refreshments. Age-group awards go to the overall fastest male and female finishers in categories from 12 and younger through 70 and older, plus wheelchair awards. There are also awards for the fastest high school track team and fastest ROTC team. Teams of at least four must register individually, give a written team name at the registration table, and start and finish together.
Santa’s Family Fun Run
A free, noncompetitive Santa’s Family Fun Run follows at 10:30 a.m. outside near JCPenney. Santa kicks off the short course, with holiday characters cheering families along. Costumes are encouraged. Registration for the fun run is separate from the 5K and ends at 10:15 a.m. race day. The first 100 participants receive a $10-off certificate for a Santa photo package and a free cookie from Mrs. Claus.
Where the money goes
All proceeds go to Veterans Council Clay County Florida Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 86-1868391). According to the race page, funds support the council’s advocacy and communication work for local veterans and help sustain the Clay Veterans Center in Middleburg.
The center, at 2497-1 County Road 220, hosts programs including Open-Door (veteran camaraderie visits), VetTech (hands-on help with VA.gov and related digital tools) and Support Services that connect veterans and families with local resources. The Clay Veterans Center lists its office number as 904-375-1354 and a text line at 904-658-0105. Race organizers also list info@clayveterans.com for sponsorship, vendor and volunteer questions.
Volunteers can sign up through the RunSignup volunteer tab. Clay County Volunteer Services is also listing outdoor volunteer shifts for the Nov. 14 event at the JCPenney parking lot.
Register online at RunSignup (also linked from clayveterans.com as runsignup.com/clayvetsday5k26).
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